CCTV catches man stealing to retrieve a debt

Peter Hardwick
Reporter
Peter started in 1976 as apprentice typesetter/comp and has 32 years with The Chronicle in three stints (in between working/holidays in UK/Europe, Brisbane and Melbourne). Entered editorial from comp room in 1996.

Police drove by Stoddard's home where they found the missing trailer, police prosecutor Sergeant Tony Costa told the court.

Stoddard admitted taking the trailer and the tyres which he said he had since sold in Brisbane for $800, Sgt Costa said.

Stoddard pleaded guilty to stealing.

His solicitor Trevor May told the court his client instructed that he had loaned the complainant man money some 18 months ago but the money had never been repaid.

His client had been driving past the complainant's yard when he saw the prime mover and decided to take the tyres which he put on the trailer and drove to his home.

Mr May said he had explained the process of civil action that was available to his client to recoup the money and he accepted he had gone about things the wrong way.

Magistrate Bruce Schemioneck said the fact Stoddard had used his vehicle in the commission of a crime meant he had the discretion to take his driver's licence from him.

Taking into account Stoddard needed his driver's licence for his employment, Mr Schemioneck ordered he do 100 hours unpaid community service, disqualified him from driving for two months and ordered he make restitution of $4231.